Participating in Television Programs

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for enabling viewers to participate in a television program. In one aspect, a method includes transmitting a linear television program that includes a request for viewer responses to be submitted using a user device and receiving, through a communication network, an electronic message including a viewer response to the request from a user. Consideration is received from the user, and the consideration is associated with the viewer response. Credits are allocated to the user in response to receiving the viewer response and consideration. A record of the one or more credits is stored in association with an identifier of the user, and in response to a request from the user, credits associated with the identifier of the user are redeemed in exchange for virtual goods or services associated with delivery of content over a network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/132,189 filed Apr. 18, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/442,335 filed Apr. 12, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.9,319,161. The disclosures of the foregoing applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

This specification relates to remotely participating in televisionprograms. For example, viewers watching a television program from aremote end (e.g., in front of a TV at home, instead of on-site) maysubmit information to participate in the television program and/orinteract with other players.

Network technologies enable various types of remote human interaction.For example, people may use text messaging or audio or video content forremote chatting, reporting, conferencing, etc. In some instances, suchcommunication may have a central host, such as a virtual chat room, areality show, etc. Participants may use phone calls, email, SMSmessages, or online audio or video chat to provide input or feedback tothe central host.

Viewers typically view professionally produced television programs(“programs”) and motion pictures (“movies”) using traditional televisionservices. Programs, such as various types of game shows, are typicallydistributed to traditional television service providers by so-called“television networks,” who possess the legal rights necessary todistribute the programs, and who are sometimes also involved inproducing the programming. Those who provide transmission services fortelevision, and provide television service to viewers, may include“carriers” or Multi-Service Operators (“MSO”), direct-broadcastsatellite (DBS) providers, and/or telecommunication (“Telco”) providers.

Television transmission or distribution systems used by traditionalcarriers of television programming include terrestrial broadcaststations, satellite television, and cable television systems, as well astelecom delivery network services such as VDSL and FiOS offered overbroadcast telecommunication or data networks, whose operators providetelevision services similar to what are offered by cable and satellitetelevision service providers. However, standards have been formulated,or are in the process of being formulated, for using Internet protocolsand the public Internet to distribute television programming using“live” IP-multicast or IP unicast streams that can be received by anyonewith any type of broadband data connection to the Internet.

SUMMARY

Implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed tousing virtual currencies to participate in a television show (gameshows, reality show, talk show, or scripted drama show). The virtualcurrencies may be created and managed in association with a televisionprogram or video delivery system. Users may earn or buy points of thevirtual currency that can be redeemed for virtual goods, credit,services, or a combination of different rewards. For example, users mayuse actual cash or credit to purchase points and use the points tosubmit an entry to a nationally or locally televised game show or othertype of interactive television program. Users may earn points by winningin the program (e.g., having the users' entry selected or respondingwith a correct answer), promoting the program (e.g., informing friendsabout the show via one or more digital communications such as email orsocial media), or conducting other activities according to publishedrewards guidelines. Users may use an application downloaded andinstalled on their electronic mobile devices to participate. Thetelevision show host may have backend security system monitoring theprocess and enforcing rules or practices that prevent unfair advantagesbased on location, connection speed, bandwidth, or other factors.Rewards may be redeemed directly through the application, for example,rewards may include uploading and broadcasting live or recorded audioand/or video content, entering a second round of games, converting thepoints to credits for spending, or other redemption options.

In one general aspect, a method for allowing users to participate in atelevision show can include transmitting a linear television programthat may include a request for viewer responses to be submitted using auser device. For example, the viewer responses can be answers to factualor opinion questions, feedback on television contestants, control of anobject displayed on television, or others. An electronic messageincluding a viewer response to the request from a user can be receivedthrough a communication network. A payment associated with the viewerresponse can be received from the user. One or more credits can then beallocated to the user in response to receiving the viewer response andreceiving payment from the user. A record can be stored for the one ormore credits in association with an identifier of the user. In responseto a request from the user, credits associated with the identifier ofthe user can be redeemed in exchange for virtual goods or servicesassociated with delivery of content over a network.

These and other embodiments can each optionally include one or more ofthe following features. A plurality of electronic messages are receivedthrough a communication network from a plurality of users, and eachelectronic message includes a viewer response to the request from arespective user. Consideration is received from each of the plurality ofusers, and the consideration for each user is associated with the viewerresponse from the respective user. One or more credits are allocated toeach user in response to receiving the viewer response from therespective user and receiving the consideration from the respectiveuser. A record of the one or more credits is stored in association withan identifier of the respective user. Credits associated with theidentifier of each respective user are redeemed, in response to requestsfrom one or more of the plurality of users, in exchange for virtualgoods or services associated with delivery of content over a network.One or more of the plurality of users is selected to receive an awardhaving monetary value, and each user is selected based on the viewerresponse of the respective user. The request for viewer responsesincludes an offer for the award having monetary value in exchange for aviewer response that at least satisfies predetermined criteria. Therequest for viewer responses includes an offer for the award havingmonetary value in exchange for a viewer response that is selected fordistribution. One or more of the plurality of users are selected toreceive an award associated with delivery of content over a network, andeach user is selected based on the viewer response of the respectiveuser. The number of credits allocated to each user is based upon one ormore criteria related to the viewer response of the respective user. Oneor more of the plurality of users are selected to compete for an awardbased on viewer responses from the one or more selected users torequests included in the linear television programming. The awardincludes an opportunity to participate in a linear television program.The consideration includes, at least in part, credits purchased formonetary value, wherein the credits are associated with the user;credits stored in association with an identifier of the user; and/orcredits earned through performing predefined actions. The virtual goodsor services associated with delivery of content over a network includean opportunity to submit at least one of a video, an audio message, or atextual message to be included in linear television programming; anopportunity to submit at least one of a video, an audio message, or atextual message to be included in content delivered from a web server;and/or a premium user experience associated with content delivered froma web server. The electronic message is submitted by the user through anapplication on a user device, and the application is associated with thelinear television program. The application is skinned by a distributorof the linear television program and/or by a producer of the lineartelevision program. The electronic message is submitted by the userthrough a web page displayed on a user device, and the web page isassociated with the linear television program. Compensation is providedto a local television station that broadcasts the linear televisionprogram to the user.

In another general aspect, a method for allowing users to participate ina television show can include receiving, through a communicationnetwork, a plurality of electronic messages each including a viewerresponse from a respective user device, wherein the electronic messagesare received in response to a request included in a linear televisionprogram, and deducting payments from user accounts associated with usersof the user devices, wherein each payment is associated with the viewerresponse from the respective user device. One or more credits areallocated to one or more of the users in response to at least receivingthe viewer response from the respective user device. A record of the oneor more credits is stored in association with an identifier of the oneor more users, wherein the credits are redeemable in exchange forvirtual goods or services.

These and other embodiments can each optionally include one or more ofthe following features. The one or more credits are allocated to the oneor more users based on criteria associated with the viewer responses.The payments are based on credits purchased for monetary value. Thevirtual goods or services include an opportunity to submit at least oneof a video or a textual message to be included in linear televisionprogramming. The virtual goods or services include an opportunity tosubmit at least one of a video or a textual message to be included incontent delivered from a web server.

In another general aspect, a system for allowing users to participate ina television show can include a user device and one or more serversoperable to interact with the user device. The one or more servers maybe adapted to transmit data for use in presenting a user interface onthe user device, wherein the user interface is adapted to receive userinput for submitting a response to a request for viewer responsesincluded in a linear television program; receive an electronic message,wherein the electronic message includes a response to the request, withthe response received through the user device; deduct a payment from auser account associated with a user of the user device; allocate one ormore credits to the user account in response to receiving the electronicmessage; and store a record of the one or more credits in associationwith the user account.

These and other embodiments can each optionally include one or more ofthe following features. The one or more servers are further operable toreceive a request to redeem the credits associated with the user accountfor virtual goods or services associated with delivery of content over anetwork. The one or more servers are further operable to allocatecompensation to a distributor of the linear television program based onthe electronic message.

In another general aspect, a method for allowing users to participate ina television show can include transmitting a linear television program,wherein the linear television program includes a request for viewerresponses to be submitted using a user device; receiving, through aplurality of communication networks, electronic messages from aplurality of viewers, with each electronic message including a viewerresponse to the request through a user device from a correspondingviewer; combining data from the electronic messages to generateaggregate data; and including a display of the aggregate data in thelinear television program.

These and other embodiments can each optionally include one or more ofthe following features. The aggregate data includes an average of dataincluded in the plurality of viewer responses. The request for viewerresponses includes a request for feedback relating to the lineartelevision program. The plurality of electronic messages are receivedthrough a plurality of user devices remotely located from a studiosource of the linear television program. One or more of the plurality ofviewers are selected to receive an award having monetary value, witheach viewer selected based on the viewer response of the correspondingviewer. The electronic message is submitted by each of the plurality ofviewers through an application on a corresponding user device, with theapplication associated with the linear television program. Theelectronic message is submitted by each of the plurality of viewersthrough a web page displayed on a corresponding user device, with theweb page associated with the linear television program.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of thefollowing advantages. Contests that award cash or prizes with cash valuecan be associated with linear or broadcast television programs in whichviewers purchase or earn credits or points that can be applied inconnection with submitting a response. Viewers can be rewarded forparticipation and/or for responses that meet predetermined criteria byawarding credits or points, in addition to having an opportunity to earncash or prizes with cash value. In some cases, points can be earnedthrough activities performed by a user without having to purchase thepoints. Credits or points can be used to purchase virtual goods orservices, such as a chance to be in a live studio audience, to be anin-studio contestant, to submit video or other content for inclusion onone or more linear television programs and program formats or on a webpage. Viewers can be incentivized to participate in interactivetelevision programming. Viewers can use a slider to indicate preferenceof a contestant in a show. Data collected from the viewers can becompiled and presented as rich graphics in real-time on the viewers'television screens, simultaneously on mobile devices, and/or on webpages via computers connected to the Internet. Viewers can use othervirtual game controls to manipulate objects on TV using mobile devices,for example. Objects can be manipulated, for example, based on theaverage input from viewers, the majority viewer input, input by morethan some threshold number of participants, or based on some othertechnique for selecting input from a plurality of viewers. Based on theselected input, a more limited number of competitors can be selected forthe next round in a game. Alternatively, the number of competitors forthe next round can be selected in some other manner (e.g., randomly orbased on some other criteria). In some embodiments, the viewers who areselected as winners for their participation can be on TV immediately viaweb cameras or cameras imbedded in mobile devices. In some embodiments,a number of selected winners can be invited to a studio for future TVproduction. The TV program may be broadcasted and modified by a localstation that applies a skin application for tailoring the userinterfaces on mobile devices with local information, such as localpromotions or local participants in the TV show. Due to connection speedvariation across the nation, the TV program gaming server may adjustbandwidth and other factors to ensure fair viewer participation andopportunity.

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter describedin this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of thesubject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings,and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an example interactivetelevision system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of basic components of arepresentative example of a television program system architecture.

FIG. 3 is an example of a virtual currency flow for an interactivetelevision system.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a graphical user interface for a userdevice operating in an interactive television system.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are illustrations of various examples of user controlapplicable to the graphical user interface of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of participating in television programs.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process for providing feedback in aninteractive television system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to systems andmethods of allowing remote viewers to participate in televisionprograms. Television programs send out requests for viewer responses(e.g., by broadcasting audio, video, and/or text-based requests forviewers to respond to a question or provide feedback). In someimplementations, the requests for viewer responses can include an offerof cash or prizes having cash value to be awarded to at least a portionof the viewers based on predetermined criteria (e.g., answering aquestion correctly). A gaming server may simultaneously send digitalrequests for participation to mobile devices or to web pages oncomputers connected to the Internet. Viewers can submit responses in theform of a digital text-based message, a digital voice recording, adigital video recording, by manipulating virtual gaming controls, orother ways using mobile electronic devices such as a cellular phone, asmart phone, a computer, or other electronic device that transmit theresponse over a communication network. The response can be associatedwith payment information included in the response or identified based ona user identifier included in the response. Alternatively, the paymentinformation can be identified based on a payment account associated witha communication session (e.g., associated with user login credentials).The payment can be in the form of virtual credits or points, which canbe awarded in exchange for a monetary payment or earned by complyingwith predetermined criteria (e.g., answering questions correctly,viewing online advertisements, or otherwise accepting third partyoffers). Payment may also be sponsored by an advertiser instead ofuser-paid. The payment can be exchanged for submitting the response tothe television programs. In exchange for submitting the response, aviewer may be awarded additional credits or points. In addition,different amounts of credits or points can be awarded based oncompliance with certain predefined criteria, such as correctly answeringa question, answering within a particular period of time, and/orproviding a response that is selected for inclusion in televisionprogramming. Accumulated credits or points can be redeemed on virtualgoods, services, or other show-related commodities. For example, viewerscan redeem credits or points in exchange for participating in televisionprograms associated with a viewer response system, as discussed in moredetail below.

FIG. 1 depicts an example viewer response system 100. The viewerresponse system 100 can be provided as a set of interconnected softwareand server systems. These software and systems can be used to submituser-generated, text, voice, data, or visual content in response to arequest included in a television program or other transmittedprogramming. For example, various end users can submit responses from avariety of digital sources for the purpose of participating in atelevision program distributed through one or more content distributionoutlets. The user-generated content can be responses to televisionprogram requests, such as answers to questions in a game show, votingactivities in a reality show, or other responses solicited in atelevision program. The programming can be aired or distributed byvarious media outlets 102, including, for example, on televisionbroadcasts 104, Internet television 106, video on demand (VOD), withinvarious computer-based social networks, and/or within other online mediaand applications. The programming can also be transmitted to a computingdevice 136, which includes a user interface 142, a processor 140, and amemory 138. The computing device 136 may be, for example, a personalcomputer (a laptop, desktop, tablet, etc.), a personal digitalassistant, a smart phone, or other computing devices. In general,programming can be in the form of video (with or without accompanyingaudio) and can be represented in files (e.g., video files).

Generally, programming broadcasts can include the distribution of audioand video content to a dispersed audience. Television broadcasts, forexample, can include the distribution of content using air-wave,satellite, and/or cable technologies. Internet broadcast may also beused and may facilitate distribution to a single view or to multipleviewers (e.g., depending on viewing authorizations and whether thetransmission is distributed on demand or as a one to many broadcasts).

The viewer response system 100 can include a website 110 that is hostedusing one or more computing devices (e.g., server systems), a clientapplication 124 that is at least partially executable on a clientcomputing device, and/or a mobile application 122 that is executable ona mobile computing device. Components of the viewer response system 100can be provided as one or more executable application programs that canbe executed using one or more computing devices, and/or one or morehardware components (e.g., computing devices and/or computer-readablememory). In some implementations, the viewer response system 100 isprovided as an application that is installed on a user computing device120 to generate digital content, and/or a back-end computing device,such as a server system that communicates with the user computing device120 to provide a thin client application that is executed in part on theserver system and in part on the user computing device 120 (e.g., usinga browser application on the user computing device 120).

The viewer response system 100 can also include one or more contentcreation and/or content distribution sub-systems. In someimplementations, the sub-systems can include recording, encoding, and/orstorage functionalities, as described with reference to FIG. 1 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/185,471. Such functionalities can be usedto submit video or other content using a website 110, mobile application122, or client application 124 on a computing device 120 as part of aresponse to a broadcasted request for viewer responses, as awarded as aprize for submitting a viewer response, in exchange for points orcredits accumulated by a user of the computing device 120, or asotherwise made available by the media outlets 102 and/or viewer responsesystem 100.

To create, edit, and upload responses to requests for viewer responses,a user can make use of the computing device 120. Example computingdevices 120 can include any type of computing device such as a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a tablet, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a network appliance, acamera, a smart phone, an enhanced general packet radio service (EGPRS)mobile phone, or a combination of any two or more of these dataprocessing devices or other data processing devices. The computingdevice 120 can communicate with the viewer response system 100 over anetwork. The network can include a large computer network, such as alocal area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, acellular network, a satellite, or a combination thereof connecting anynumber of mobile computing devices, fixed computing devices, and/orserver systems.

As described in greater detail below, mobile application software 122can be downloaded to and executed on the computing device 120, which canuse the mobile application software 122 to present a user with a userinterface adapted to receive user feedback or other user response andtransmit the user response to one or more servers associated with mediaoutlets 102 that provide television broadcasts 104 or Internetbroadcasts 106. In some implementations, a client application 124 can bedownloaded to and executed on the computing device 120 and can be usedto submit user responses. As another alternative, the client application124 can be implemented as a thin client application, such that theviewer response user interface functionality can be accessed through aweb page interface without installing software locally on the computingdevice 120. For example, a user can access a web page through browsersoftware on the computing device 120.

In operation, the website 110, mobile application 122 software, and/orclient application 124 software can provide a system that enables theuser to conveniently submit responses to broadcast requests for viewerresponses. This system can employ the user interface 130 of thecomputing device 120 to present graphical user interface displaysappropriate for submitting a requested type of viewer response. The userinterface 130 can also be used to potentially present other types ofgraphical user interface displays transmitted by the view responsesystem 100 and/or the media outlets 102. In general, the informationpresented on the user interface 130, whether provided through a website110, mobile application 122, or client application 124, can becoordinated through the viewer response system 100 with programmingbroadcast through the media outlets 102. For example, as programming isbroadcast using one or more of the media outlets 102, triggers can becommunicated from the media outlet(s) to the viewer response system 100to cause the website 110, mobile application 122, and/or clientapplication 124 to present information and/or graphical user interfacedisplays that allow users of computing devices 120 to submit responsesto requests for viewer responses that are broadcast from the mediaoutlet(s) 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of basic components of arepresentative interactive television program system 200. The system 200can include users 201, an interactive television server array 202, atelevision uplink facility 220, a TV production facility 230, and anumber of transmission and receiving ends. These components of system200 can be connected to one or more communications network(s) 204, suchas the Internet, cellular networks, satellite networks, cable networks,optical networks, and/or combinations thereof. The users 201 may accessthe network 204 using various electronic devices, for example, using asmart phone 291, a tablet PC 293, and/or a laptop computer 295. Theinteractive television server array 202 can provide, among other things,the functionality of the viewer response system 100 as shown in FIG. 1.The television distribution system 220 generally includes a programserver 222 for scheduling programs on the network; a traffic server 224that keeps track of insertion points for insertion of prerecordedcommercials, promotional spots, and other announcements within eachscheduled television program; and a broadcast server 226 that generatesa linear programming feed for transmission to the carriers 228. The TVproduction facility 230 is where television programs are produced, andcan include a TV studio 231, a production system 232, and recordingequipment 234.

The production facility 230 can include a physical or a virtual TVstudio 231. For example, the TV studio 231 can be an actual stagesetting where contestants are gathered in the setting to compete in atelevision program. The TV studio 231 can also be a virtual space wherecontestants participate as a live data stream (e.g., real-timeteleconferencing). The television program can be produced using theproduction system 232 and the recording equipment 234. The productionsystem 232 can render, edit, and process the data captured using therecording equipment 234, which may include a number of cameras placed atvarious positions and focusing on various contestants. In someembodiments, the recording equipment 234 can be a remote camera, forexample, a webcam of a remote user 201; and part of the production datacan be gathered from viewers that are physically outside the TVproduction facility 230 but connected through the network 204. Thetelevision program can be produced and finalized at the productionsystem 232 and sent to the television uplink facility 220 forbroadcasting.

The television uplink facility 220 can include a network operationscenter for a television network and/or an uplink facility as describedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/013,775. Generally, the programserver 222 maintains a database that specifies the program, the episode,the date of transmission, and start and stop times of each. Even when aprogram is “live,” it is accounted for in the programming grid utilizingthe programming system. The program server 222 also typically includesadditional information on each program, such as its title, describingthe program so that it can be published in program guides, etc. Forexample, a network can use the program server 222, located within anetwork operations center, for scheduling programs on that network.Networks that sell advertising will also typically operate or make useof a traffic server 224 that is part of a network operations center. Thetraffic server keeps track of time slots, or so-called “insertionpoints,” within each scheduled TV program, that have been set aside forinsertion of prerecorded commercials, promotional spots, and otherannouncements. The traffic server 224 stores information about each timeslot in one or more databases on one or more servers. The broadcastserver 226 is used in connection with creating or generating a linearprogramming feed or television signal that will be transmitted totelevision carriers, e.g., through a satellite distribution network 240or other network 204. The broadcast server 226 assembles a program andany insertions into a continuous linear signal according to a schedulestored by the program server 222 and the insertion points specified inthe traffic server 224. In some implementations, video or other contentfrom the interactive television server array 202 can be retrieved by thetelevision distribution system 220 using, e.g., a file transfer protocolfor inclusion within a specific time slot.

The programming of a television network—the network's signal or feed—istypically distributed to viewers via one or more local broadcasttelevision stations for local broadcast and/or one or more carriers fortransmission on other mediums, such as cable TV systems, wired orwireless high-speed broadband networks, mobile data networks, satellitetelevision systems, for substantially simultaneous viewing by multipleusers. A TV program to which a network has distribution rights couldalso be delivered “on demand,” meaning at the request of a viewer, inwhich case program transmission to that user begins at the request of auser and continues according to a predefined timeline. Such on-demandprograms generally do not, but could, include predefined time slotswithin the timeline of the program for advertising, promotionalannouncements, and other uses. However, transmission of such on-demandprogramming usually originates from the carrier, such as at the head endof a cable network, or from a server that streams the video over theInternet to the user requesting it.

Typically, a network's signal or feed is transmitted by, or on behalf ofthe network, distributed simultaneously to one or more TV carriersacross some or all of a country or continent using a satellitetransmission system. However, other transmission systems, orcombinations of systems, can be used. A television network may own andoperate its own uplink facility (as the television uplink facility 220),or it may choose to contract with one or more third party uplinkfacilities to transmit its signal up to a satellite 240 for distributionto one or more television carriers. These television carriers receivethe satellite signal and transmit it on their systems to subscribers,who are represented by home 242, but can include any type of residence,as well as bars, restaurants, theatres and other commercialestablishments. Each subscriber has, in this example, a set top box 243or some other gateway or device that receives and decodes the signalfrom a local fiber optic cable or copper loop 228 so that it can beplayed on a television or monitor 244. In some instances, the set topbox 243 can directly receive signals from the satellite 240, forexample, using a receiving satellite dish (e.g., through adirect-broadcast satellite provider).

Representative examples of television carriers include a televisionservice offered over a wired, terrestrial system, e.g., a cabletelevision system or a cable-like television service provided over atelecommunication network system, such as the Verizon FiOS® or AT&TU-VERSE® services, and a satellite television system, such as DirectTV.Other types of distribution systems could be used for transmitting anetwork's feed to subscribers, including IP television services, whichuse the Internet protocols and packet-switched networking architecturesto carry the signal to subscribers. The television signal or feedgenerated by the broadcast server 226, is, for example, transmitted toan IP television service provider through a satellite uplink or,alternately, a private network or other connection.

Users 201 may watch a television program and participate in it usingdifferent electronic devices. Typically, users 201 watch televisionprograms on the TV 244, and remotely participate in the program usingapplications or websites on the smart phone 291, the tablet 293, or thecomputer 295. Alternatively, in some embodiments, users 201 may watchtelevision programs on the computer 295, and remotely participate in theprogram using applications or websites on the smart phone 291 or thetablet 293, or users 201 may watch television programs on the smartphone291 and participate using applications or websites on the tablet 293, orthe computer 295. In some embodiments, users 201 may use the sameelectronic device for simultaneously watching and participating intelevision programs.

The TV production facility 230 can communicate with the televisionuplink facility 220 and transmit production content through the uplinkfacility 220 for broadcasting. The production content can includeprogramming that requests or is otherwise adapted for receivingresponses from (or participation by) viewers. The interactive televisionserver array 202 can facilitate processing and management of therequests and the responses.

The interactive television server array 202 includes a plurality ofservers that support various functionalities and can be implemented onany number of computers. In general, the interactive television serverarray 202 can support interactions with user devices 291, 293, and 295to enable viewers of broadcast programming to participate in theprogramming through their respective user devices. In addition, theinteractive television server array 202 can manage responses, allocatecredits, handle payments made by users for participation in theprogramming, and manage contests or awards that involve user responsesto requests for viewer feedback on broadcast programming. To supportthese functions, the interactive television server array 202 can includea user interface subsystem 206, a contest management subsystem 208, anda television management subsystem 210. The user interface subsystem 206can be used to generate and send user interface components and/or datafor displaying user interfaces on user devices 291, 293, 295 that enableusers 201 to submit responses and other information to the interactivetelevision server array 202. The contest management subsystem 208 can beused to manage responses and other submissions received from users 201through the user interfaces, including managing contests among multipleviewers, and to manage deductions and awards of points or other credits.The television management subsystem 210 can be used to coordinateinformation provided by the user interface subsystem 206 to user devices291, 293, 295 and the use of responses and other submissions receivedfrom users 201 with programs broadcast from or through the TV productionfacility 230 and/or the television uplink facility 220.

Each of the subsystems in the interactive television server array 202can include various servers for supporting the functionalities of thesubsystem. For example, the user interface subsystem 206 can include aweb hosting server 260, an application download server 262, and askinning server 264. The web hosting server 260 can provide one or moreweb pages through which users can access services provided by theinteractive television server array 202. For example, the web hostingserver 260 can host a registration web page that allows users toregister with the interactive television server array 202. Registrationcan involve setting up a user account for use in managing viewerinteractions with interactive television programming through theinteractive television server array 202. The web hosting server 260 canfurther host web pages that present various types of controls and/orresponse submission forms, which can be used by viewers of interactivetelevision programming to submit responses or other feedback. In someimplementations, the web hosting server 260 can further host a recorderweb page that provides users with access to a thin client application(or web application) that supports video or audio capture for submissionof video or audio (e.g., for potential inclusion in a linear televisionprogram).

In addition, the application download server 262 can be used to allowusers 201 to download client applications for installation on userdevices such as the smart phone 291, the tablet PC 293, and the computer295. Client applications can provide the same or similar functionalityto the web pages hosted by the web hosting server 260 but through anapplication installed on the user device. For example, the clientapplication can include instructions for presenting various userinterfaces that support the various functionalities and forcommunicating with the web hosting server 260 or some other server thatprovides data specific to a particular interactive television program(e.g., triggers for when to present a particular feedback interface,identification of a type of feedback requested, questions and/ormultiple choice answers for the particular program, and other suitabledata). Thus, the application download server 262 and the web hostingserver 260 can provide viewers with various types of user interfaces forgame controls, crowd-sourced voting, and the like. For example, theapplication download server 262 and/or the web hosting server 260 mayallow viewers to use various virtual input devices, such as a joystick,a slider bar, thumb pads, a buzzer, and other controls.

The skinning server 264 can provide web page components that areassociated with local broadcast stations. For example, a nationallytelevised or syndicated program may allow a local television station toinclude its own branding or other messaging as well as localadvertisements, news, events, warnings, etc. as a skin that is appliedto the web pages or client application user interfaces associated with abroadcast television program. The skin can include useful orsupplemental information and need not interfere with the functionalityof the user interface being displayed. In some implementations, multipledifferent skins can be applied for different users depending on thelocation of each viewer, which can be determined based, for example, onlocation information provided by the user device (e.g., using GPS),location information associated with a user profile, an IP addressassociated with the user device, or by detecting signals (e.g., audiosignals) included in a broadcast television program. This locationinformation can also be used to provide rewards to the local televisionstation for its viewers that participate in the interactive programming.For example, the local television station can be awarded credits,points, cash, or other actual or virtual compensation based onparticipation by its viewers in the interactive programming. Theskinning server 264 (or multiple skinning servers), in some cases, canbe maintained by the local television station or some third party ratherthan being associated with the interactive television server array 202.In addition, skins can be also applied by the producer of a televisionshow or by the network on which the show appears. More than one skin canbe applied (e.g., by different parties) for a single user interface(e.g., nested skins or skins that are applied to different parts of theuser interface). More details about the skinning functionality aredescribed below in FIG. 4.

The contest management subsystem 208 can include a response managementserver 266, a contest management server 268, a credit management server270, a user account database 272, a security module 274, and a timingadjustment module 276. The response management server 266 can receiveresponses from viewers remotely participating in an interactivetelevision program through their respective user devices. For example,viewers can watch television programs that present requests forresponses on a conventional TV, a computer (a desktop, laptop, netbook,or tablet), a smart phone, or similar electronic devices. The requestsmay include selecting from a multiple choice question, answering atrue-or-false question, voting for or against an event or role, biddingin an auction, answering an entertaining quiz, or submitting a shortvideo response. The response manager server 266 can sort and savereceived responses according to the corresponding television program,question type, and request categories, and can generate result reportsusable by other server components in the interactive television serverarray 202. The response management server 266 can also store orotherwise associate the responses with a particular user account definedin the user account database 272. The response management server 266 caninteract with the contest management server 268 to provide response datafor use in a contest. Furthermore, the response management server 266can communicate with the credit management server 270 to increment ordecrement points or credits or to process a payment (as may be required)for submitting a response.

The contest management server 268 can manage contest procedure, forexample, accepting viewer responses that comply with contest rules, in atelevision program that includes interactive games, in real-time, nearreal time, or with a delayed feedback. In some instances, the contestmanagement server 268 monitors the number of submissions per viewer(e.g., limiting total number of submissions from the same IP address),the time period in which any submission is allowed, the competitionprocess (e.g., elimination, knock-out, etc.), and other aspects of acontest. The contest management server 268 may be tailored to a specificgame show program, setting up rules accordingly and operating under therules. In some instances, the contest management server 268 candetermine which contestant has the earliest response to a question orrequest, recording contestants choices in a game and matching thechoices to a database, counting the number of responses as the responseswithin a given quota can all be rewarded, or surveying viewer opinionsfor statistical significance. The contest management server 268 may alsointeract with the user interface subsystem 206 to manage the types ofuser interfaces or user interface components are presented on userdevices. For example, the contest management server 268 can define asequence of different user interfaces to be presented in connection witha particular contest to allow viewers to submit appropriate responses torequests included in a linear television program. The contest managementserver 268 can also control the timing of when different user interfacesor user interface components (e.g., game controls) are presented on theuser devices. Such timing can be controlled through automated processes(e.g., according to a schedule associated with the corresponding lineartelevision program, or based on triggers communicated to the contestmanagement server 268 from the TV production facility 230, thetelevision uplink facility 220, or the linear television server 282 ofthe interactive television server array 202). In some cases, e.g., forlive television programs, timing may be controlled by a manual process.For example, when a game show host asks a question, an administrator ofthe interactive television system 202 or show production staff cantrigger presentation of a corresponding user interface on user devicesthrough the user interface subsystem 206. The contest management server268 or another server may also allow administrators or show productionstaff to create questions or set the value of question responses in realtime. The contest management server 268 may also identify winners orwinning entries for a particular contest, such that the winning viewercan be awarded points or credits or allowed to or progress to a nextround in the program.

The credit management server 270 can include modules for purchasingcredits and managing credit allocations and deductions based on viewerinteractions. For example, viewers remotely participating in atelevision game program through a user device can purchase credits usingcommon payment techniques, such as credit card, debit card, or micropayment transactions. The purchased credits can function as a virtualcurrency that can be spent on services and commodities in the televisionprogram. For example, viewers may spend one actual dollar on purchasing100 credit points, which may then be spent on submitting a contest entryto a television program to be reviewed. The credit management server 270can monitor transactions and manage the credit accumulation andconsumption process. In some instances, a submitted entry may not resultin any awards and the credit points are consumed in the process; whilein other cases, the submitted entry may result in an award of additionalcredit points that are added to the user's account. In someimplementations, the credits that are used as a virtual currency forpurposes of participating in the interactive program can be differentthan credits that are awarded for responses that satisfy certainpredetermined parameters (e.g., correct answers or responses that areselected for inclusion in a linear television program), while in otherimplementations, both types of credits can be part of the same virtualcurrency.

The credit management server 270 can also communicate with the useraccount database 272 to apply earned or purchased credits to a useraccount or to deduct credits from the user account. The user accountdatabase 272 can store registration, profile, payment, preference, andother user related information. The user account database 272 can storedata required for viewers to be registered to participate in televisionprograms, including, for example, identification information (e.g.,name, date of birth, gender, etc.), contact information (e.g., email,phone number, address, etc.), and other background information(participation history, etc.). The user account database 272 may allowusers to import their information from a third party platform, such as asocial networking website. The user account database 272 may also allowusers to setup a link to a payment method, such as a credit card, withone-time authorization (e.g., authorization at the first time of setupuntil expired or cancelled). The user account database 272 can serve asa virtual bank account by recording the purchase and usage of creditpoints. Users may access the credit points by logging into the system;for example, the database 272 enables users to keep a credit balance andspend the balance (e.g., to submit responses to the interactivetelevision server array 202) without re-submitting payment information.

The security module 274 can monitor all transactions and activities ofthe interactive television server array 202, as the television programmay be competitive and involving a large sum of money. The securitymodule 274 can identify and screen any submission that violates certainrules in the system. For example, users may attempt to create virtualcredit points without paying, or earn virtual credit points bymanipulating account information. The security module 274 can preventsuch attempts or can provide other security features that maintain thesecurity of user information or credits. In other instances, users mayattempt to violate rules of game play, for example, by increasingallowable number of entries to increase odds, by manipulating submissiontime stamp to gain advantage, or other unfair play strategies prohibitedby the system 200. In these instances, the security module 274 canprevent such operations and temporarily suspend or permanently ban theaccounts involved in the operation.

The timing adjustment module 276 can be used to accommodate timedifferences of viewer responses from different locations. For example,the television program may be a nationwide or worldwide game show thatencourages viewers from different places to submit their entries. Due todifferent connection speeds and variable local broadcasting, viewers mayreceive requests in the television program at different times. Thetiming adjustment module 276 can calibrate the time differences andadjust the viewer response time accordingly to ensure a fair play. Forexample, viewers who can view the request due to higher connectionspeeds and less local interruption may have a time balance associatedwith their accounts such that their response time does not have the timeadvantage. In some implementations, the timing adjustment module 276 canrandomly select responses from a batch of responses (e.g., responsesreceived within a particular time window) to avoid basing contestdecisions on speed of response. Alternatively, response time can bebased on user location or can be measured against some type of signalthat is broadcast on the linear television program and detected by theuser device through the user's local television 244. For example,because the system 200 is designed for a large number of viewers toparticipate in television programs, viewer responses and interactionwith the television programs may require synchronization. In someinstances, the application or website operating on the user devices mayinclude an internal timer that can be triggered during game play. Theinternal timer, through network or satellite connection, can besynchronized with a master clock on the broadcasting linear televisionprogram. In some instances, an audible queue may be imbedded in thelinear television program to onset certain game elements on the userdevices. For example, to set a starting moment to activate game controlson the user devices (e.g., allowing the game controls to connect withthe television program, such as enabling a joystick). Here again, thesecurity module 274 can be used to prevent attempts to circumventfunctions of the timing adjustment module 276.

The television management subsystem 210 can include a television contentserver 278, an administrator server 280, and a linear television server282. The television content server 278 can be used to store content forpotential inclusion in linear or broadcast television programming. Forexample, users may submit user-generated videos or other contentrequested during a television program, which can be stored by thetelevision content server 278. User content can be submitted by variousmobile electronic devices or other computing devices, such as describedabove in connection with FIG. 1. Video content stored on the televisioncontent server 278, or by another database, can be reviewed using anadministrator server 280. The video content can also be organized forreview using the administrator server 280 according to the intended typeof distribution (e.g., web or television) and program (e.g., such thatan administrator can review only videos submitted for inclusion in aparticular program). The administrator server 280 can also be used toselect videos or other content for inclusion in linear programming andto assign a particular segment in which a video is included in linearprogramming as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/185,477.For example, in some implementations, the administrator server 280 cancommunicate with the television distribution system 220 to assign avideo to an available time slot or segment in a linear programmingsequence and/or to associate a previously assigned content name includedin the linear programming sequence (e.g., a content name used as aplaceholder for subsequently generated video) to a video submittedthrough the interactive television server array 202. Alternatively,segments for inclusion in a linear programming schedule can be definedat the linear television server 282, which can transmit lineartelevision programming to the television uplink facility 220. The lineartelevision server 282 can queue programs produced in the TV productionfacility 230 and/or content (e.g., videos and/or responses to requestsfor viewer feedback) submitted by the users 201.

Functionalities of the interactive television server array 202 can besegmented in other ways across multiple servers or can be combined indifferent ways than described above (e.g., some of the functionsdescribed as being performed by different servers could be combined in asingle server), and the interactive television server array 202 alsoinclude other functionalities. The servers in the interactive televisionserver array 202 can communicate with one another through one or morenetworks (e.g., a local area network and/or a wide area network). Insome implementations, the system 200 can be implemented within anenvironment such as depicted in and described with reference to FIG. 1of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/013,775. The system 200 can beused, for example, to perform the process depicted in and described withreference to FIGS. 2A and 2B of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/013,775.

FIG. 3 is an example of a virtual currency flow 300. The virtualcurrency flow 300 can represent the participation process of users 201in interactive television programs supported by the system 200 shown inFIG. 2. Viewers who are watching a television program and decide toparticipate in the program (e.g., in response to a request or invitationto submit responses, vote, provide feedback, or participate in gameplay)become users 201 in the system 200. Upon registration, users can usecash or check 305, or a credit account 307 (e.g., PayPal™, ACH transfer,credit cards, debit card, etc.) to purchase virtual currency at aconversion system 310. The conversion system 310 can define a conversionrate for converting real currency into virtual currency, and, in someimplementations, vice versa. The conversion rate may be related to auser's status, a temporary promotion, or other factors. A realizedvirtual currency 320 can then be assigned to the corresponding useraccount 350. The virtual currency 320 (or a portion thereof) may bespent instantly on content submission 333 for participating in atelevision program gameplay 340. The content submission 333 can includetext or voice messages, a vote, a feedback submission, a short videoclip, and/or other suitable content. In some implementations, thegameplay 340 may yield two possible results for the users: winning,which results in being awarded additional virtual currency 343; or notwinning, in which case the spent value 341 is consumed. The result ofthe activity (e.g., award of virtual currency or deduction of virtualcurrency) is saved in the user account 350. In some cases, virtualcurrency is deducted for the content submission 333, which correspondsto the spent value 341, and additional virtual currency 343 is onlyawarded if the content submission 333 results in winning or some othersatisfaction of predefined criteria. The additional virtual currency 343can be greater than or less than the spent value 341. The users can usethe virtual currency saved in the user account 350 to redeem virtualgoods or services 360.

The gameplay 340 may include various scenarios for users to earn virtualcurrency rewards 343. For example, users can receive rewards 343 forsending correct answers to the gameplay 340. On the other hand, userscan lose the spent value 341 for sending incorrect answers. If thegameplay 340 involves voting, for example, choosing the most popularperformer in the television program, users may need to spend the spentvalue 341 for the voting right. In some implementations, the gameplay340 can be an auction in which users bid on goods or services using thevirtual currency 320 or actual currencies 305 or 307. The gameplay 340may include surveys or other submissions of opinion or fact content. Thegameplay 340 may also involve submission of user-generated mediacontent, such as video, audio, text, multimedia content, or any othersuitable content. If the content submission 333 is, for example, a videoresponse that is selected through the gameplay 340 for inclusion in atelevision program or web page, the corresponding user of the selectedsubmission 333 can also be awarded with additional virtual currencyrewards 343.

The gameplay 340 is not limited to actual games but can include anyviewer response format, such as one or more of the formats describedbelow. The gameplay 340 can relate to a trivia response/quiz game inwhich users submit answers to trivia questions. Such a game formatallows an undefined number of participants to compete in terms of speedand accuracy. Winners can be awarded with actual or virtual creditrewards 343. An entry fee in a specified amount of the virtual currency320 may be required to participate or to submit each response. In someembodiments, the gameplay 340 may relate to a dating game in seekingrelationships. Users may vote on questions to be asked or the winningchances of players in the television program. In some embodiments, thegameplay 340 may relate to a game of chance. In some embodiments, thegame play 340 can relate to a game of prediction. For example, users maysubmit a video clip following certain topics or scenarios. A portion ofthe video clip will be played in the television program; and otherviewers can vote on what happens next in the video clip (e.g., bycompleting a multiple choice question). Other embodiments of thegameplay 340 are possible.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a graphical user interface (GUI) 400 forproviding responses from a user device to an interactive televisionprogram. The GUI 400 may be displayed on a display 430 of a userelectronic device 405. The user device 405 can be the smartphone 291,the tablet PC 293, and the computer 295 as shown in FIG. 2. As anexample, the display 430 can be a multi-touch back-lit screen thatfunctions both as an input and an output device. The display 430 inoperation can include components that are defined by a skin 420 and amessage or application 410. The message or application 410 can includeone or more components provided by the interactive television serverarray 202 that define content associated with a television program. Theskin 420 can include one or more components selected by a localtelevision station or by a third party, as defined by, for example, theskinning server 264 within the interactive television server array 202.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are illustrations of various examples of user controlapplicable to the graphical user interface of FIG. 4. FIG. 5A includesdifferent one-way communication game controls 510. For example, a buzzer511 allows users to respond to a certain timed event. A “viewermeter”512 can allow users to indicate their evaluation of a certain event orplayer in the television program. A pair of “viewermeter” 513 can beused to compare and evaluate two players or groups of players in thetelevision program. Such control mechanism may be extended to multipleplayers or groups, such as the 3-player “viewermeter” 514.

FIG. 5A also includes different game controls with limited feedbackinformation. For example, a joystick 515 may allow users to selectoptions or control game characters in a television program. A simplepuzzle 516 may be presented in the television program for awarding thosewho are quickest to solve the puzzle 516 with credit rewards or furtherparticipation opportunities. A multiple choice controller 517 and atrue-or-false controller 518 can allow users to answer or vote oncertain requests in a television program; and winners may be judgedbased on a correct response. Responses can be received in real-time,near real-time, or delay. In some implementations, two or more users canbe selected to participate in a head-to-head competition in which theusers control characters displayed in a television program in real-time.In other implementations, any number of users may participate in atrivia contest to try to provide correct answers in real-time or nearreal-time (e.g., to try to correctly answer questions faster than anin-studio contestant or within a specified time period). In otherimplementations, users can submit responses that include user-generatedcontent (e.g., videos), which can be judged as most entertaining orinteresting, with the winning entries being included in a later segmentof the same program or in a subsequent television program.

FIG. 5B illustrates additional example two-way game controls. Forexample, dual or bi-directional thumb pads 521 can let users to playvideo games along with other contestants in the television program.Similarly, a multi-directional or multiple button controller 523 can beused. In some implementations, if a user outperforms other competitors,an invitation screen 530 may be prompted to let the user be instantly onTV, such as using an electronic device with a connected or built-incamera. The game controls illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B can bedisplayed in the application area 410 of GUI 400, shown in FIG. 4. Othergame controls can be used.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram 600 of a process for viewer participation intelevision programs. The flow diagram 600 can be used with theparticipation process illustrated in FIG. 3 and/or the system 200 shownin FIG. 2. At 610, a linear television program is transmitted forbroadcast. The linear television program can include a game show, a quizshow, a reality show, or other television programs. On some showscontestants compete against other players or another team while othershows involve contestants playing alone for a particular outcome or ahigh score. The linear television program can include a request forviewer responses. For example, the linear television program can requestviewers provide answers to factual or opinion questions, feedback ontelevision contestants, control of an object displayed on television,and other similar requests. Viewers can submit the responses using auser device, such as a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless userdevice, a computer, etc.

At 615, an electronic message including a viewer response is receivedthrough a communication network. The electronic message can include aviewer response to the request from a user. The communication networkcan be a wireless network, a cellular network, the internet, and/orother communication networks. The electronic message can include text,audio, video, or other electronic format response that can be input onthe user device and sent to servers associated with the televisionprogram. In some implementations, a number of electronic messages from anumber of users can be received. Each electronic message of these userscan include a viewer response to the request.

At 620, a payment is received (e.g., a payment made by the user inexchange for the opportunity to participate). The payment can beassociated with the viewer response at 615 or can be received in advanceof the viewer response. They payment can be submitted as cash or checkat a store, or with a digital account, such as using PayPal™, a creditcard, ACH transfer, or a debit card. In some implementations, a paymentfrom each of a number of users can be received associated with theviewer response from each user. In addition, in some implementations,instead of a monetary payment, other consideration can be provided, suchas performing a specified activity (e.g., viewing an advertisement orrecommending participation to other potential viewers). In someimplementations and/or in some situations, payment may not be requiredto participate. At 625, a quantity of credits is allocated to each userin response to receiving the viewer response and the payment associatedwith the response. The number of credits can be determined based, forexample, on whether the viewer response satisfies predefined criteria oris selected for inclusion in a linear television program. The number ofcredits can also be determined, at least in part, by a conversion raterelated to user account information. At 630, the amount of creditsallocated to each user is stored as a record of credits in the useraccount, in association with a user identifier. The credits stored orallocated to each user can be used to submit additional viewerresponses, to participate in other activities in the same or a differentlinear television program, or to purchase other virtual goods andservices.

At 635, based on the electronic messages submitted by the users, one ormore winners may be selected. For example, if the request in the lineartelevision program is a quiz question, a quota may be used to select thefirst batch of users that submitted the correct answer, or if therequest is a series of quiz questions, the highest scoring set of usersmay be selected as winners. Additional credits and/or cash or otherawards with a cash value can be allocated to each winner can be based onone or more criteria related to the viewer response, for example, basedon correctness, speed of response, uniqueness of response, etc. Theselected winners may receive credit awards at 640 or non-credit rewardsat 645. For example, credit awards can include adding virtual credits tothe user account, which may be used for future participation ininteractive television programming or redemption for virtual goods orservices. Non-credit rewards can include direct opportunities to submitvideos for TV broadcasting, a given number of times for futureelectronic message submission, a pre-announced virtual goods or service,or other types of similar rewards.

At 650, compensation may be provided to local television stationsthrough which viewers who submitted responses viewed the televisionprogramming.

At 655, credits associated with user identifiers can be redeemed inexchange for virtual goods or services associated with delivery ofcontent over a network. For example, a virtual service can include anopportunity for viewers to participate in a linear television program,such as in-person attendance or through a camera device (e.g., live orby submitting a recorded video). In some instances, the virtual goods orservices can include an opportunity to submit at least one of a video ora textual message to be included in linear television programming, or incontent delivered from a web server. The virtual goods and services canalso include a premium service, e.g., access to restricted content ofthe opportunity to receive content without advertising.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process 700 for providing feedback in aninteractive television system. A linear television program istransmitted at 705. The linear television program can include a requestfor viewer responses to be submitted using a user device. For example,the requested viewer responses can be for positive and negative feedbackor ranking feedback relating to contestants or activities included inthe linear television program. Various different users (e.g., asignificant portion of the viewing audience) can submit electronicmessages that include a viewer response to the request, which responsescan be received at 710. Each viewer response can be submitted using auser device corresponding to the particular viewing individual, and theelectronic messages can be transmitted through one or more communicationnetworks (e.g., cellular networks, LANs, WANs, the Internet, etc.) to aserver associated with the interactive television system. For example,the responses can be received at the response management server 266 ofFIG. 2. The viewer responses can be submitted, for example, using a“viewermeter” 512, 513, or 514 shown in FIG. 5A, in which differentpositive and negative feedback levels can correspond or can be mapped todifferent values. Other types of viewer responses (e.g., rankings ofdifferent contestants) can also be used. Viewers can be encouraged tosubmit responses by offering awards (e.g., monetary prizes, other prizeswith monetary value, or virtual currency credits) that can be awarded toviewers randomly or based on some predetermined criteria. Viewers canalso be awarded credits based on complying with certain criteria.

Data from the electronic messages is combined to generate aggregate dataat 715. For example, the values received from the various differentusers can be averaged or combined in some other manner to generate theaggregate data. As one example, if feedback is received on a scale of 1to 10, with 1 representing strongly negative feedback and 10representing strongly positive feedback, values from the individualviewer responses can be averaged to generate an aggregate positive ornegative rating (e.g., for one or more contestants in a reality show).The aggregate data can be calculated based on all received responses orcan be calculated based on a rolling window (e.g., based on the last tenseconds or sixty seconds of feedback). The latter technique can be usedto more accurately track trends and avoid tendencies for the aggregatedata to approach a median value. Alternatively, data can be weightedaccording to age, such that the influence of viewer feedback isgradually phased out as the viewer feedback ages. The generation ofaggregate data can be performed, for example, by the contest managementserver 270 shown in FIG. 2.

The aggregate data can be displayed in near real time as part of thelinear television program at 720. For example, an inset graph can bedisplayed as part of the broadcast program to show the trend of averagefeedback for contestants or activities on the program. The display ofaggregate data can be managed by the television content server 278 orthe linear television server shown in FIG. 2, which can send theaggregate data to the television uplink facility 220 or the TVproduction facility 230 to be merged with the video being broadcast.

Implementations of the present disclosure and all of the functionaloperations provided herein can be realized in digital electroniccircuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including thestructures disclosed in this specification and their structuralequivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementationsof the invention can be realized as one or more computer programproducts, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructionsencoded on a computer readable medium for execution by, or to controlthe operation of, data processing apparatus. The computer readablemedium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readablestorage substrate, a memory device, a composition of matter affecting amachine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more ofthem. The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all apparatus,devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example aprogrammable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers.The apparatus can include, in addition to hardware, code that creates anexecution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., codethat constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a databasemanagement system, an operating system, or a combination of one or moreof them.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) can be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can bedeployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module,component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computingenvironment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to afile in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a filethat holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in amarkup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program inquestion, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store oneor more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer programcan be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computersthat are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this disclosure can beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or morecomputer programs to perform functions by operating on input data andgenerating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performedby, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory ora random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer area processor for performing instructions and one or more memory devicesfor storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will alsoinclude, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer datato, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g.,magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computerneed not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded inanother device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a mobile audio player, a Global Positioning System (GPS)receiver, to name just a few. Computer readable media suitable forstoring computer program instructions and data include all forms ofnon-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way ofexample semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flashmemory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removabledisks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Theprocessor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in,special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the inventioncan be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT(cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, fordisplaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device,e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to thecomputer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interactionwith a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can beany form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback,or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in anyform, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

Implementations of the present disclosure can be realized in a computingsystem that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, orthat includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, orthat includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having agraphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user caninteract with an implementation of the present disclosure, or anycombination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front endcomponents. The components of the system can be interconnected by anyform or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communicationnetwork. Examples of communication networks include a local area network(“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), e.g., the Internet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

While this disclosure contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what maybe claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific toparticular implementations of the disclosure. Certain features that aredescribed in this disclosure in the context of separate implementationscan also be provided in combination in a single implementation.Conversely, various features that are described in the context of asingle implementation can also be provided in multiple implementationsseparately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, althoughfeatures may be described above as acting in certain combinations andeven initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimedcombination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and theclaimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation ofa sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processingmay be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various systemcomponents in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described program components and systemscan generally be integrated together in a single software product orpackaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular implementations of the present disclosure have beendescribed. Other implementations are within the scope of the followingclaims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performedin a different order and still achieve desirable results. What isclaimed is:

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, through acommunication network, a plurality of electronic messages from aplurality of users, with each electronic message including a viewerresponse from a respective user, wherein each of the viewer responses isreceived in reply to a request included in content transmitted forviewing by one or more of the plurality of users; receiving a paymentassociated with each of the respective viewer responses, wherein eachviewer response provides information from which a source of the paymentcan be determined, and wherein the payment includes, at least in part,credits stored in association with an identifier of the respective user;allocating one or more credits to each user in response to receiving theviewer response from the respective user and receiving the paymentassociated with the viewer response; storing a record of the one or morecredits in association with an identifier of the respective user;redeeming credits associated with the identifier of the user in exchangefor goods or services; and allocating, to a subset of the plurality ofusers, monetary awards, with each of the users in the subset of usersselected based on the viewer response of the respective user.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein redeeming credits associated with theidentifier of the user in exchange for goods or services includesredeeming credits as payment associated with additional viewerresponses.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the viewer responsescomprise a prediction of an outcome of events occurring in the futurewith respect to the time the viewer responses are received.
 4. Themethod of claim 3 wherein the outcome of events occurring in the futurewith respect to the time the viewer responses are received is determinedby actions of one or more third parties with respect to the plurality ofusers.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the request for viewer responsesincludes an offer for the monetary award in exchange for a viewerresponse that at least satisfies predetermined criteria.
 6. The methodof claim 1 wherein the number of credits allocated to each user is basedupon one or more criteria related to the viewer response of therespective user.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the payment includes,at least in part, credits purchased for monetary value, wherein thecredits are associated with the respective user.
 8. The method of claim1 wherein the electronic message is submitted by the user through anapplication on a user device, with the application associated with thecontent transmitted for viewing by one or more users.
 9. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the electronic message is submitted by the user througha web page displayed on a user device, with the web page associated withthe content transmitted for viewing by one or more users.
 10. The methodof claim 1 wherein the content is transmitted for viewing on a userinterface of a computing device.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein theuser interface presents a display for submission of the viewer response.12. The method of claim 1 wherein the content is transmitted as part ofa television broadcast.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the content ispresented upon request by each respective user.
 14. A method comprising:receiving, through a communication network, a plurality of electronicmessages from a plurality of users, with each electronic messageincluding a viewer response from a respective user, wherein each of theviewer responses is received in reply to a request included in contenttransmitted for viewing by one or more users; receiving a payment fromeach respective user, wherein each viewer response is associated withthe payment from the respective user and each viewer response providesinformation from which a source of the payment can be determined, andwherein the payment includes, at least in part, credits stored inassociation with an identifier of the respective user; allocating one ormore credits to each user in response to receiving the viewer responsefrom the respective user and receiving the payment associated with theviewer response; storing a record of the one or more credits inassociation with an identifier of the respective user; redeeming creditsassociated with the identifier of the user in exchange for goods orservices; and wherein the viewer responses comprise a prediction of anoutcome of events occurring in the future with respect to the time theviewer responses are received.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein theoutcome of events occurring in the future with respect to the time theviewer responses are received are determined by actions of one or morethird parties with respect to the plurality of users.
 16. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the number of credits allocated to each user is basedupon one or more criteria related to the viewer response of therespective user.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the content istransmitted for viewing on a user interface of a computing device andthe user interface presents a display for submission of the viewerresponse.
 18. A system comprising: one or more servers operable tointeract with a user device and to: transmit data for use in presentinga user interface on the user device, wherein the user interface isadapted to receive user input for submitting a response to a request forviewer responses included in content transmitted for viewing by one ormore users; receive an electronic message, wherein the electronicmessage includes a response to the request, with the response receivedthrough the user device; deduct a payment from an account based on theresponse received through the user device and the response providesinformation from which a source of the payment can be determined, andwherein the payment includes, at least in part, credits stored inassociation with an identifier of the user; allocate one or more creditsto the user in response to receiving the electronic message; store arecord of the one or more credits in association with a user account;and wherein the response comprises a prediction of an outcome of eventsoccurring in the future with respect to the time the response isreceived.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein the response comprises aprediction of an outcome of events occurring in the future with respectto the time the response is received.
 20. The system of claim 18 whereinthe content is transmitted as part of a television broadcast.